Tokyo, November 8: A strong earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck central Japan early Sunday, leaving at least 22 people injured, damaging shops and buildings, and disrupting normal activities in several affected areas.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake struck at around 1:04 am local time, with its epicentre in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of approximately 40 kilometres. The United States Geological Survey (USGS), however, estimated the magnitude at 5.5.

The tremors were felt across a wide region, including Aichi, Shizuoka, Gifu, Yamanashi and parts of Kyoto and Nara. The strongest shaking was reported in Aichi Prefecture, while the earthquake was not felt in Tokyo.

The tremor shattered shop windows, scattering broken glass across streets, while a bookstore was left in disarray after large numbers of books fell from its shelves. Several people sustained injuries while attempting to evacuate buildings, including some who fell on staircases.

No tsunami warning was issued following the earthquake. Smaller aftershocks were also reported in the affected region.